Realization of Low-Voltage Modified CBTA and Design of Cascadable Current-Mode All-Pass Filter

In this paper, a low voltage modified current backward transconductance amplifier (MCBTA) and a novel first-order current-mode (CM) all-pass filter are presented. The MCBTA can operate with ±0.9 V supply voltage and the total power consumption of MCBTA is 1.27 mW. The presented all-pass filter employs single MCBTA, a grounded resistor and a grounded capacitor. The circuit possesses low input and high output impedances which make it ideal for current-mode systems. The presented all-pass filter circuit can be made electronically tunable due to the bias current of the MCBTA. Non-ideal study along with simulation results are given for validation purpose. Further, an nth-order cascadable all-pass filter is also presented. It uses n MCBTAs, n grounded resistors and n grounded capacitors. The performance of the proposed circuits is demonstrated by using PSPICE simulations based on the 0.18 µm TSMC level-7 CMOS technology parameters

Current and Voltage Mode Multiphase Sinusoidal Oscillators Using CBTAs

Current-mode (CM) and voltage-mode (VM) multiphase sinusoidal oscillator (MSO) structures using current backward transconductance amplifier (CBTA) are proposed. The proposed oscillators can generate n current or voltage signals (n being even or odd) equally spaced in phase. n+1 CBTAs, n grounded capacitors and a grounded resistor are used for nth-state oscillator. The oscillation frequency can be independently controlled through transconductance (gm) of the CBTAs which are adjustable via their bias currents. The effects caused by the non-ideality of the CBTA on the oscillation frequency and condition have been analyzed. The performance of the proposed circuits is demonstrated on third-stage and fifth-stage MSOs by using PSPICE simulations based on the 0.25 µm TSMC level-7 CMOS technology parameters

Towards the development of teachers for the future

The purpose of this research was to examine student teachers’ views on the kind of teachers they would like to be. The participants were 51 student teachers at the primary education department of a state university. The views of these student teachers were collected from unstructured reports that they submitted following a one-semester classroom management course in the 5th semester. The qualitative data gained from the reports, specifically the attributes that the student teachers associated with themselves, were analysed in terms of classroom management according to Korthegan’s Onion Model using a qualitative content analysis method. The data demonstrate that the participants expressed their opinions mostly regarding classroom environment, behaviour and competency. The reports also present their views about the kind of teachers they would grow into and the teacher behaviour they would like to adopt. The results of the study reveal that the student teacher participants were at the levels of interventionist and interventionist/interactionist control; 2 different approaches to dynamic assessment and classroom management styles. They also used authoritative, educational, behaviour-based, and democratic approaches. The study suggests that, in order for the student teachers to express themselves about their teaching in the layers of belief, identity and mission (inner layers) of the Onion Model, they must be provided with opportunities and experiences. Keywords: classroom management; Korthegan’s Onion Model; student teachers; teacher development; teacher educatio

2,6-Di-tert-butyl-4-(3-chloro-2-hy­droxy­prop­yl)phenol

In the title 2-propanol derivative, C17H27ClO2, the two tert-butyl groups both have one methyl C atom lying in the plane of the aromatic ring. In the crystal, the phenol group forms a hydrogen bond to the hy­droxy O atom belonging to the alkyl substituent of an adjacent mol­ecule, forming a chain along the ac diagonal. The Cl atom is disordered over two positions in a 0.73 (4):0.27 (4) ratio

The prevalence of personality disorders in the community: a global systematic review and meta-analysis

Background Personality disorders are now internationally recognised as a mental health priority. Nevertheless, there are no systematic reviews examining the global prevalence of personality disorders. Aims To calculate the worldwide prevalence of personality disorders and examine whether rates vary between high and low and middle-income countries (LAMICs). Method We systematically searched PsycINFO, MEDLINE, EMBASE and PubMed from 1980 to May 2018 to identify articles reporting personality disorder prevalence rates in community populations (PROSPERO registration number: CRD42017065094). Results Forty-six studies (from 21 different countries spanning six continents) satisfied inclusion criteria. The worldwide pooled prevalence of any personality disorder was 7.8 % (95% Confidence Intervals: 6.1-9.5). Rates were greater in high income (9.6%; 95% CI: 7.9-11.3%) compared with LAMI (4.3%; 95% CI =2.6-6.1%) countries. In univariate meta-regressions, significant heterogeneity was partly attributable to study design (two-stage versus one-stage assessment), county income (high versus LAMI) and interview administration (clinician versus trained graduate). In multiple meta-regression analysis, study design remained a significant predictor of heterogeneity. Global rates of Cluster-A, B and C personality disorders were 3.8 % (3.2, 4.4%), 2.8% (1.6, 3.7%) and 5.0% (4.2, 5.9%). Conclusions Personality disorders are prevalent globally. Nevertheless, pooled prevalence rates should be interpreted with caution due to high levels of heterogeneity. More large-scale studies with standardised methodologies are now needed to increase our understanding of population needs and regional variations

The Frequency and Clinical Significance of IgA Anticardiolipin and Anti-β2-Glycoprotein-I Antibodies in Antiphospholipid Antibody Patients with and without Lupus

Background/Purpose: APS ACTION International Clinical Database and Repository was created to study the natural course of disease over 10 years in persistently antiphospholipid antibody (aPL)-positive patients with/without other systemic autoimmune diseases (SAIDx). Although, IgA aCL and IgA a\u3b22GPI were included in the new SLICC systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) classification criteria, the prevalence and clinical significance of IgA isotype have been controversial. Thus our objective was to better define the prevalence and clinical significance of IgA aCL and a\u3b22GPI in aPL-positive patients with/without SLE. Methods: A web-based data capture system is used to store patient demographics, aPL-related history, and medications. The inclusion criteria are positive aPL based on the Updated Sapporo classification criteria at least twice within one year prior to enrolment. Patients are followed every 12\ub13 months with clinical data and blood collection. The baseline samples are analysed in the APS ACTION core laboratories to confirm aPL-positivity. For this cross sectional study, using chi square test, we compared the demographic and clinical characteristics of aPL-positive patients with/without SLE based on different aCL/a\u3b22GPI isotypes. Results: As of April 2016, 638 aPL-positive patients recruited from 24 centers; 489 (77%) had core laboratory assessments of IgG/M/A aCL/a\u3b22GPI. Forty-two patients were excluded due to the diagnosis of a SAIDx other than aPL/APS and/or SLE. Thus, 320 (72%) aPL-positive patients without SLE (258 [81%] with APS) and 127 (28%) with SLE (96 [76%] with APS) were analyzed. The frequency of aCL and a\u3b22GPI IgG/M/A positivity (defined as > 20U) was not different between the two groups except the IgG isotype, which was more common in aPL-positive patients without SLE (53% vs 42% [p: 0.03] for aCL and 38% vs 21% [p: 0.03] for a\u3b22GPI). However, the frequency of IgA a\u3b22GPI positivity was 3-fold higher than IgA aCL positivity (33% vs 11% [p<0.001] in those with SLE, and 32% vs 12% in those without SLE [p<0.001]). The demographics and aPL-related clinical manifestations were not different among aCL/a\u3b22GPI IgG, IgM, and IgA isotypes (Table). The results were similar when the aCL/a\u3b22GPI ELISA cut-off was set to 40U. Of note, the frequency (%) of isolated aCL IgG/M/A- and a\u3b22GPI IgG/M/A-positive patients (independent of the LA status) were 22/19/1 and 11/11/8, respectively (when the ELISA cut-off was set to 20U); isolated a\u3b22GPI IgA positivity was significantly higher in aPL-positive patients with SLE, compared to those without SLE (p: 0.006). Conclusion: Although IgA a\u3b22GPI positivity is more common than IgA aCL positivity, especially in SLE, the aCL/a\u3b22GPI IgA isotype does not distinguish between aPL-positive patients: a) with/without SLE; and b) with different aPL-related clinical events

On the Application of Beamforming in LDACS

Currently, aeronautical communications is under-going a modernization process from analog to digital technology. The L-band Digital Aeronautical Communications System (LDACS) is the upcoming digital data link for air-ground communications and is being standardized within ICAO as well as EUROCAE at the moment. A wireless communication system can be interrupted by intended or unintended jamming signals. Therefore, the robustness of wireless systems is crucial. In this paper, we investigate the use of beamforming in LDACS to improve its performance and robustness. We analyze different antenna array designs and assess their performance to find the most suitable configuration for LDACS. Accordingly, the chosen antenna array design is evaluated for different flight scenarios considering a realistic LDACS link budget. We show that the chosen phased antenna array design improves the signal-to-noise-ratio of the LDACS reverse link by over 10 dB. Hence, using beamforming, the robustness of LDACS can be enhanced and higher data rates can be achieved by applying the built-in LDACS adaptive coding and modulation capabilities

The perseveration of checking thoughts and mood–as–input hypothesis

This paper describes two experiments designed to investigate how a current model of task perseveration, the mood-as-input hypothesis, might be applied to activities relevant to compulsive checking. The mood-as-input hypothesis predicts that perseveration at an open-ended task will be determined by a combination of the “stop rules” adopted for the task, and the valency of the mood state in which the task is conducted. Experiment 1 required participants to generate items that should be checked for safety/security if they were leaving their home unattended. Experiment 2 used an analogue recall task, in which participants were asked to recall items from a comprehensive list of items that should be checked if they were to leave their home safe/secure. Both experiments found that perseveration at the tasks was determined by particular configurations of mood and stop rules for the task. Of most relevance to compulsive checking was the fact that facilitated perseveration occurred when participants were asked to undertake the tasks in a negative mood using “as many as can” stop rules. Implications for the factors that develop and maintain compulsive checking are discussed

Psychological outcomes, knowledge and preferences of pregnant women on first-trimester screening for fetal structural abnormalities:A prospective cohort study

INTRODUCTION: The primary aim of this study is to investigate the impact of a 13-week anomaly scan on the experienced levels of maternal anxiety and well-being. Secondly, to explore women's knowledge on the possibilities and limitations of the scan and the preferred timing of screening for structural abnormalities. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In a prospective-cohort study conducted between 2013-2015, pregnant women in the North-Netherlands underwent a 13-week anomaly scan. Four online-questionnaires (Q1, Q2, Q3 and Q4) were completed before and after the 13- and the 20-week anomaly scans. In total, 1512 women consented to participate in the study and 1118 (74%) completed the questionnaires at Q1, 941 (64%) at Q2, 807 (55%) at Q3 and 535 (37%) at Q4. Psychological outcomes were measured by the state-trait inventory-scale (STAI), the patient's positive-negative affect (PANAS) and ad-hoc designed questionnaires. RESULTS: Nine-nine percent of women wished to be informed as early as possible in pregnancy about the absence/presence of structural abnormalities. In 87% of women levels of knowledge on the goals and limitations of the 13-week anomaly scan were moderate-to-high. In women with a normal 13-week scan result, anxiety levels decreased (P < .001) and well-being increased over time (P < .001). In women with false-positive results (n = 26), anxiety levels initially increased (STAI-Q1: 39.8 vs. STAI-Q2: 48.6, P = 0.025), but later decreased around the 20-week anomaly scan (STAI-Q3: 36.4 vs. STAI-Q4: 34.2, P = 0.36). CONCLUSIONS: The 13-week scan did not negatively impact the psychological well-being of pregnant women. The small number of women with screen-positive results temporarily experienced higher anxiety after the scan but, in false-positive cases, anxiety levels normalized again when the abnormality was not confirmed at follow-up scans. Finally, most pregnant women have moderate-to-high levels of knowledge and strongly prefer early screening for fetal structural abnormalities

Additional value of advanced ultrasonography in pregnancies with two inconclusive cell-free DNA draws

Objective: We aimed to evaluate the additional value of advanced fetal anatomical assessment by ultrasound in pregnancies with twice inconclusive noninvasive testing (NIPT) due to low fetal fraction (FF). Methods: We performed a multicenter-retrospective study between 2017 and 2020 including 311 pregnancies with twice inconclusive NIPT due to low FF ≤ 1%. Women were offered invasive testing and advanced fetal anatomical assessment at ≤18 weeks' gestation. Ultrasound findings, genetic testing, and pregnancy/postnatal outcomes were evaluated. Results: Ninety-two/311 (29.6%) women underwent invasive testing. Structural anomalies were diagnosed in 13/311 (4.2%) pregnancies (nine at the first scan and four at follow-up). In 6/13 (46.2%) cases, genetic aberrations were confirmed (one case of Trisomy 13 (detectable by NIPT), two of Triploidy, one of 16q12-deletion, HCN4-mutation and UPD(16) (nondetectable by NIPT). Genetic aberrations were found in 4/298 (1.3%) structurallynormal pregnancies (one 47XYY, two microscopic aberrations, one monogenic disorder found postpartum). Structural anomalies in genetically normal fetuses (2.0%) were not more prevalent compared to the general pregnant population (OR 1.0 [0.4–2.2]). Conclusion: In pregnancies with twice inconclusive NIPT due to low FF, fetal structural anomalies are not more prevalent than in the general obstetric population. The detailed anatomical assessment has the added value to detect phenotypical features suggestive of chromosomal/genetic aberrations and identify pregnancies where advanced genetic testing may be indicated